An investigation was launched into allegations of ‘human waste’ found inside of cans of Coca-Cola at a Northern Ireland factory.

Police had been called after multiple reports of a contaminated consignment were found at a Lisburn factory in the County Antrim.

The issue involved one shipment of unfilled cans which were delivered over to the Coca-Cola factory prior to being filled then sealed.

Coke stated that the issue had been identified ‘immediately’ resulting in no legitimate impact on the products currently on sale.

Response

A spokesperson said: ‘At Coca-Cola, we take the safety and quality of our products extremely seriously.

‘We are aware of an incident involving empty cans at our plant in Knockmore Hill, Lisburn.

‘We are treating this matter extremely seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation in co-operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

‘The problem was identified immediately through our robust quality procedures and all of the product from the affected batch was immediately impounded and will not be sold.

‘This is an isolated incident and does not affect any products currently on sale.’

Investigation

A spokesperson for the PSNI stated: ‘Detectives are investigating an incident at commercial premises in the Lisburn area following reports that a consignment of containers delivered to the premises had been contaminated.

‘The investigation is at an early stage and there are no further details available at this time.’

The FSA in the Northern Ireland region confirmed that they were aware of the ‘physical contamination incident’.

‘There is no evidence to suggest that any affected product has reached the market,’ ststed a spokesperson from the FSA.

‘The incident is subject to an investigation by the PSNI and the environmental health unit of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

‘The FSA in NI cannot comment further in order not to jeopardize that investigation.’